Old Glory Honor Flight Mission 72 returns to the Appleton International Airport from Washington, D.C., Oct. 23, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREENVILLE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Old Glory Honor Flight is getting a new name in the new year.
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the nonprofit which takes veterans to see memorials built in their honor, is rebranding to Missions of Honor.
“The change reflects the changing needs of our veterans,” said Chris Berkers, board president of Missions of Honor. “It allows us to support special missions, Gold Star Families, Missions Medical Corps, home visits, and more — all with shared leadership, resources, and volunteer power.”
Missions of Honor will be the umbrella organization for the Old Glory Honor Flight and will continue to do the work already offered, but it will encompass additional flights and events in the future allowing more veterans to partake in services.
Old Glory Honor Flight was founded in 2009 by Appleton-based volunteers. The organization provides transportation, tour, escorts, a medical team, professional photographers and plans the itinerary in Washington D.C. The day ends with family members and the community participating in a welcome home celebration at the Appleton airport. All of this at no cost to the veteran.
Since its inception, the organization has honored more than 7000 veterans and the Appleton International Airport has hosted most flights and welcome home celebrations since then.
Old Glory Honor Flight honors veterans who served anytime, anywhere in any branch of service prior to May 1975. Veterans who wish to go on these flights should apply online or visit the Facebook page.
In addition to day trips, the nonprofit offers Freedom to Liberty tours. These honor veterans of the Global War on Terrorism who served in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere in the Middle East in combat or in direct support of the combat activities. Veterans will be honored with a no-cost trip to New York City to visit the 911 Memorial and Museum, the “Freedom Tower” and the Statue of Liberty.
The 2026 schedule:
- Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (day trip to Washington D.C)
- Tuesday, May 19, 2026 (day trip to Washington D.C)
- Friday, July 24, 2026 (EAA Yellow Ribbon) This flight will take off and land at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) grounds in Oshkosh. (day trip to Washington D.C)
- Thursday, August 27, 2026 through Sunday, August 30, 2026 (Freedom to Liberty – 55 spots)
- Wednesday, September 9, 2026, through Saturday, September 12, 2026 (Freedom to Liberty – 35 spots)
- Tuesday, October 27, 2026 (day trip to Washington D.C)
More than 90% of funds raised directly support veteran experiences and mission operations (with only about 6% going to fundraising and administration). The organization is powered by a small staff, a team of dedicated volunteers, and community support.
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